Garment for the neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance

ABSTRACT

A garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance comprising a body ( 2 ) of the garment provided with elasticity and intended to be worn by a user to adhere to a portion of the user&#39;s body and an elastic and continuous framework ( 5 ) on the body of the garment and comprising a plurality of anchoring portions ( 10 ) and a plurality of active portions ( 20; 30; 40; 50 ), each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user&#39;s body, where the framework is structured so that, when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user&#39;s body and the anchoring portions remain substantially unchanged.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletalassistance and a method for the production of this garment.

BACKGROUND ART

Garments known to background art are structured in such a way as toprovide, once worn by the user, local assistance to muscles and joints.The typical aim of these garments is to improve posture, preventinjuries caused by sports activities (for example, bruises, sprains,dislocations, torn muscles, fractures, etc.) or the rehabilitation of aninjured part of the body, on which the garment acts.

With reference to these objectives, known garments include sweaters andtrousers designed mainly to be used in the sports sector, for examplethe type described in patent document EP1810649. These garments adhereto the body of the wearer and are made from a material with a lowcoefficient of friction in order to slide easily over the skin, andinclude a lining, on the inner surface of the garment, consisting ofresistant strips made from a material with a high coefficient offriction and which does not slide easily on the skin. In these garmentsthe inner lining strips are arranged in order to reproduce on thewearer's body the same effects of the technique known as “taping”, thatis to say the technique of bandaging by means of adhesive elastic stripswhich limit the mobility of the joint and expansion of the muscle. Thistechnique makes it possible to reduce the stress and increase thestability of the musculo-skeletal structures, preventing injuries toparts of the body that are particularly delicate or subject to stress,and can also assist in recovery from injury, contrasting bruising andeffusions caused by trauma, and in reducing recovery time.

The applicant has nevertheless found that the currently availablegarments designed to prevent and rehabilitate muscular and articularinjuries are not without drawbacks and can be improved from variouspoints of view.

In particular, the applicant believes that reproducing the “taping”technique by means of a garment of the type described above does notmake it possible to achieve the desired effects in terms of injuryprevention and rehabilitation. The applicant believes, in fact, that itis complicated, if not impossible, to reproduce the technique of“taping” by means of a garment of the type described above. “Taping” isin fact a complex technique which requires very precise manualattachment of the strips to the user's skin in order to achieve thecorrect tension of the strip. In some cases, for example, the attachmentprocedure varies from one strip to another and even within the samestrip (by varying the pull of the various parts of the strip duringmanual attachment). In addition, “taping” actually involves glueing thestrips to the user's skin so that they can not slip in any way,otherwise they would lose all their effects. Known garments, on theother hand, being designed to be worn by a user in a conventional way,do not make it possible to achieve the attachment of the strips toadhere automatically to certain parts of the skin, nor do they allowadjustment of the tension of the strips and portions of strips when thegarment is being put on. “Taping” also requires the use of strips whichare elastic only in a well-defined direction, while known garments havestrips with non-selective elasticity, that is to say similar values inevery direction of deformation.

In addition, since the strips of known garments slide on the skin andchange their position every time they are put on, the strips can not bepositioned in a precise and long-lasting way on certain desired parts ofthe user's skin.

The applicant has also found that known garments have a high level ofcomplexity and/or high production costs.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In this situation, the basic aim of this invention, in its variousaspects and/or embodiments, is to provide a garment forneuro-musculo-skeletal assistance and a method for the production ofthis garment that can overcome one or more of the above-mentioneddrawbacks.

In particular, one of the aims of this invention is to provide a garmentfor neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance that works according to newprinciples and functioning methods that are different with respect toknown garments, making it possible to achieve a high degree of efficacyin assisting the user's body. In particular, the applicant believes thatit is advantageous to achieve neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance thatworks not so much according to the principle of “taping” but accordingto a principle known as “tensegrative” which will become clearer below.

A further aim of this invention is to provide a garment forneuro-musculo-skeletal assistance that, once put on by the user, makesit possible to maintain precise positioning of each of its parts on therespective parts of the user's body, even after movement activities havebeen performed by the user.

One or more of these aims, in addition to other possible aims, whichwill become clearer from the description given below, are substantiallyachieved by a garment, or set of garments, for neuro-musculo-skeletalassistance and by a method for the production of such a garment, withthe technical features described in one or more of the accompanyingclaims, each of which taken alone (without the relative dependentclaims) or together with the other claims, as well as according to thefollowing aspects and/or example embodiments, variously combined, alsowith the aforesaid claims.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a garment forneuro-musculo-skeletal assistance comprising:

a body of the garment having elasticity and intended to be worn by auser for adhering to a portion of the user's body;

a preferably continuous and elastic framework realized on said body ofthe garment and comprising a plurality of anchoring portions and aplurality of active portions, each intended to coincide with respectivesectors of the user's body;

In one aspect, said framework is structured so that, when the garment isworn by the user and the latter exercises a motor activity, the activeportions deform themselves following the deformation of the respectivesectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions remainsubstantially unchanged.

In one aspect, the active portions and the anchoring portions areidentical in nature (and their distinction is due solely to the portionsof the body with which they are intended to coincide). It can beobserved, moreover, that the position occupied by the anchoring portionsand the active portions on the body of the garment identifies anddefines the portions of the body to which they are respectively intendedto coincide.

In one aspect, the anchoring portions are positioned in such a way thatthey do not undergo substantial deformation (for example, because theyare positioned transversally to the muscle sheath or in deformation-freeparts of the body) and the active portions are positioned (for examplelongitudinally to the muscle sheath) in such a way as to undergodeformation phenomena, for example elongation or shortening, when thegarment is worn.

In one aspect, the anchoring portions are intended to coincide withrespective sectors of the body so that, when the user carries out amotor activity, they change their overall surface extension of a valueless than 10%, preferably less than 5%, even more preferably less than2%, compared to the respective overall surface extension with the user'sbody in relaxed condition. Relaxed condition is intended as a conditionin which the user's body is not subject to loads or stress and is notcarrying out any motor activity. In such a condition, the muscles, bonesand joints are typically completely relaxed.

In one aspect, the active portions are intended to coincide withrespective sectors of the body so that, when the user carries out amotor activity, they change their overall surface extension of a valuegreater than 5%, preferably greater than 7.5%, even more preferablygreater than 10%, compared to the respective overall surface extensionwith the user's body in relaxed condition.

Opportunely, the active portions stimulate, for example, a correctiveaction on the user's posture or in any case an action that induces acorrect positioning of predefined parts of the body (scapulas, Achillestendons, etc.). When the garment is worn, the action of the frameworkdetermines a force that develops along a prevalent line of developmentof the framework, in particular along the prevalent line of developmentof the active portions. The action of the framework can cause twoportions of muscles to move closer together, for example two heads ofthe biceps brachii muscle (see solution in FIG. 1).

The anchoring portions improve, for example, the stable positioning ofthe framework, increasing the contact surface between the framework andthe user's skin (reducing the risk of movement of the framework, andskin damage due to excessive rubbing, when the user is carrying outmotor activity).

In one aspect, when the garment is worn and the framework coincides withthe respective sectors of the user's body, the framework assumes apretensioning status (with the body in a relaxed condition)corresponding to elongation from 10 to 25% of the active portions (andpreferably also of the anchoring portions) with respect to the length ofthe portions of garment not worn, the length being measured along theprevalent direction of development of each portion.

The applicant believes that the combination of the aforesaid technicalfeatures, in particular the presence of an elastic framework on the bodyof the garment and comprising a plurality of anchoring portions and aplurality of active portions, each intended to coincide with respectivesectors of the user's body, and the fact that said framework isstructured so that, when the garment is worn by the user and the lattercarries out a motor activity, the active portions deform themselvesfollowing the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's bodyand the anchoring portions remain substantially unchanged, make itpossible to obtain a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance thatcan increase articular stability and improve the muscular function ofthe body sections to which it is applied, thus stimulating a“tensegrative” function. In particular, the action carried out by theactive portions performs its positive effects on the muscles, the bonestructure and on the proprioceptive nerve ends.

“Tensegrative”, a concept borrowed from architectural principles and,for the first time, applied by the applicant to the technical sector ofgarments, means the ability to optimize the features of a load-bearingstructure comprising components subjected to tension, having a highdegree of flexibility, in contrast with components subjected tocompression, having a high degree of rigidity, to form a structure thatcan support stress and maintain a specific overall shape. In such astructure, the rigid components subjected to compression create tensiveforces on the flexible components subjected to tension while, viceversa, the latter compress the components subjected to compression. Inthis way, the forces are transmitted and distributed uniformly over theentire structure; if the respective stress on a single elementincreases, this increase will be distributed over all the components ofthe system. In practice, increases of tensive forces on the componentssubjected to tension take place globally and are balanced, over theentire structure, by counter-increases of compression on the componentssubjected to compression. This type of structure presents features ofstability and, at the same time, of elasticity in all workingconditions, both for minor levels of stress and for high levels.

The human body is an example of a tensegrative structure, where themuscles and the connective tissue represent the components subjected totension and the bones represent the components subjected to compression.The applicant, as far as he is aware, has for the first time by means ofthis framework recreated a structure with tensegrative action that canenvelop a user's body and copy the human tensegrative structure. Thegarment according to this invention thus acts as an “exoskeleton” ableto work in conjunction with the structure of the body to offerneuro-musculo-skeletal assistance. In this exoskeleton, all the elementsare interconnected in such a way that they can reposition themselves inresponse to any local tension, when the user exercises motor activity,so that each of the aforesaid anchoring portions and active portionsacts on the underlying neuro-musculo-skeletal structure to amplify thenatural supplementary response of the human body.

The applicant believes that, unlike background art garments, whichexploit the difference in friction between the body of the garment andthe inner lining to determine a skin-muscle type effect on the body,that is to say by activating the nerve receptors of the skin tocondition the underlying muscles, the garment according to thisinvention creates a tensegrative structure which supports the body andby means of appropriate positioning of the framework and its componentsmechanically stimulates the bones and deep muscle proprioceptive nervereceptors.

The garment according to this invention therefore works in a completelydifferent way with respect to known garments, since it applies atensegrative concept to achieve an assistance structure that can provideone or more of the following benefits: support for the contraction andextension of muscle sheaths and connective tissue, limitation ofperforming excessively wide movements, modulation of muscular tensionand bone compression, stimulation of blood circulation and lymph fluid,assisting neuronal function. For the user, this provides one or morebeneficial effects, for example a reduced risk of trauma andmuscular-articular injury, improved recovery from injuries, improvedposture, greater comfort and better body control, reduced sensation offatigue and actual tiredness, reduced accumulation of lactic acid, painrelief and an improvement in the user's appearance.

The applicant also believes that the technical feature whereby theframework is continuous makes it possible to provide a structure withthe aforesaid tensegrative property and that can provide effectivesupport action.

The applicant believes that the technical features whereby the body ofthe garment and the framework are elastic make it possible toadvantageously achieve the correct adhesion of every part of thegarment, when worn, to every underlying part of the user's body. Inaddition, the elasticity allows the body of the garment and theframework created on it to deform together to follow the user'smovements.

The applicant also believes that this invention makes it possible toprovide a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance characterised bya simple, rational structure that is easy and economical to produce.

In one aspect, the anchoring portions do not follow the longitudinalshortening and extension of the underlying muscle fibres.

In one aspect, the garment comprises one and only one framework.

In one aspect, the framework consists exclusively of said anchoringportions and said active portions, interconnected without interruption.

In one aspect, the active portions and/or the anchoring portions areshaped in such a way as to present a prevalent development direction.The active portions and/or the anchoring portions are preferably in theform of strips. It should be pointed out that the term strip is alsointended as a section that forks or that closes on itself forming aring.

In one aspect, the active portions constitute a prevalent part of theframework with respect to the anchoring portions. The active portionspreferably represent 60%, more preferably 70%, and even more preferably90% of the overall surface of the framework.

In one aspect, the body of the garment (in particular the part overlyingthe framework) has a first coefficient of elasticity and the frameworkhas a second coefficient of elasticity, greater than or equal to saidfirst coefficient of elasticity. In this way, when the user carries outa motor activity the portions of the framework locally generate a returnforce on the parts of the user's body with which they coincide. Thismakes it possible to increase the precision in positioning the frameworkon the user's body and to obtain synergy between the body of the garmentand the framework in certain points in order to achieve an effectivetensegrative structure.

It should be noted that “coefficient of elasticity” is intended as ameasurement that connects the value of the force generated by a materialto the corresponding deformation (lengthening) to which the material issubjected; when the coefficient of elasticity increases, so does theforce generated by the material when it is subjected to the samedeformation.

The force generated by the material and the deformation of the materialare opportunely evaluated along the prevalent line of development of thevarious sections of the framework.

In one aspect, said first coefficient of elasticity is constant in allthe portions of the body of the garment. In one aspect, said firstcoefficient of elasticity is between 0.01 kgf/cm and 0.1 kgf/cm.

In one aspect, said second coefficient of elasticity is constant in allthe portions of the framework.

In one aspect, said second coefficient of elasticity is between 0.1kgf/cm and 0.3 kgf/cm.

In one aspect, the body of the garment is made of fabric, typically aknitted fabric, for example a fabric composed of a combination of yarns.In one aspect, said fabric has said first coefficient of elasticity.

In one aspect, the entire framework is made of a single material.

In one aspect, the entire framework is made of resin.

In one aspect, said resin has said second coefficient of elasticity.

In one aspect, the portions of the garment on which the framework iscreated have an overall coefficient of elasticity, preferably greaterthan the first and the second coefficient of elasticity. For example,the overall coefficient of elasticity can be between 0.3 kgf/cm and 0.6kgf/cm.

The applicant has, in fact, ascertained, by means of tests, that theareas of fabric on which the resin is created have an overallcoefficient of elasticity that is greater than the sum of thecoefficient of elasticity of the fabric and of the resin consideredseparately. This synergic effect between fabric and resin makes itpossible to advantageously obtain a framework that can effectivelyassist the neuro-musculo-skeletal function of the user's body.

The range of overall coefficient of elasticity values indicated above isvery important since tests carried out by the applicant showed aneffective tensegrative function. At the same time, this range of valuesdoes not impede the user in performing movements.

In one aspect, the body of the garment comprises a plurality of portionsprovided with more compact stitches than the rest of the body of thegarment and intended to coincide with the anchoring portions and theactive portions of the framework (i.e. a plurality of portions providedwith more compact stitches than the remaining parts of the body of thegarment).

In particular, the body of the garment, made of fabric, comprises aplurality of portions provided with more compact stitches than theadjacent portions of the body; said plurality of portions provided withmore compact stitches being intended to be in contact at least in partwith the anchoring portions and the active portions of the framework.

These portions provided with more compact stitches preferably make itpossible to locally increase the first coefficient of elasticity in theportions intended for the framework, so that when the garment is worn bythe user this increases the positioning stability of the frameworkand/or creates pretensioning of the framework.

The applicant has acted in such a way that the greater amount of fabric,in the parts that do not have any framework, achieved by making thestitches less compact, is overcome when the garment is worn, since theportions provided with less compact stitches are extended and evened outover the user's body (in other words, the crumpling of the fabric causedby the greater amount of fabric is smoothed out). In this way, thegarment fits the user's body perfectly, maintaining residual tensiononly in the portions on which the framework is created.

In one aspect, when the garment is worn and the framework coincides withthe respective sectors of the user's body, the portions of fabric withless compact stitches assume a pretensioning status (with the body in arelaxed condition) corresponding to elongation from 5 to 10% withrespect to the length of the portions of garment when not worn, thelength being measured along the prevalent direction of development ofeach portion. The portions with less compact stitches (and no framework)advantageously undergo less lengthening (and pretensioning) than theportions with more compact stitches.

In one aspect, the framework, preferably made of the aforesaid resin, isstructured so as to have a high coefficient of friction with human skin.In particular, the aforesaid resin presents a higher coefficient offriction with human skin than the fabric with which the body of thegarment is made.

In one aspect, the framework is created on the inside of the body of thegarment; the framework is opportunely (or is intended to be) directly incontact with the user's skin. In this way, as the framework preferablyhas a high coefficient of friction it adheres firmly to the user's skinand maintains its correct position even after motor activities by theuser.

In one aspect, the framework presents a divided structure consisting ofalternating anchoring portions and active portions with points ofconvergence between different portions.

In one aspect, said points of convergence can be divided between two ormore portions of the framework.

In one aspect, one or more of said points of convergence coincide with arespective anchoring portion.

In one aspect, one or more of the active portions have one end thatbranches out from a respective anchoring portion and an opposite freeend.

In one aspect, one or more of the active portions have two opposite endsthat terminate in two separate anchoring portions.

In one aspect, the anchoring portions and/or the active portions are inthe form of strips whose width, calculated at right angles to therespective prevalent development direction, is between 1 cm and 6 cm.

In one aspect, the width (preferably between 2 and 5 cm) of theanchoring portions is greater than the width (preferably between 1 and 3cm) of the active portions. In this way it is possible to increase thestability of the anchoring portions and maintain the correct positioningof the entire framework.

In one aspect, the garment comprises a pair of identical frameworksarranged specularly with respect to a bilateral symmetry plan of thegarment. For example, when the garment is a sweater it comprises twospecularly identical frameworks, each coinciding with a half-trunk, ashoulder and an arm. For example, when the garment is trousers itcomprises two specularly identical frameworks, each in correspondencewith a respective half-pelvis, buttocks and leg.

In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or moreof the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according tothe scheme shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or moreof the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according tothe scheme shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or moreof the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according tothe scheme shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or moreof the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according tothe scheme shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or moreof the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according tothe scheme shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or moreof the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according tothe scheme shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16.

In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or moreof the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according tothe scheme shown in FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20.

In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or moreof the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according tothe scheme shown in FIGS. 21, 22, 23 and 24.

This invention also refers to a set of garments forneuro-musculo-skeletal assistance, each intended to cover a specificpart of the user's body.

In one aspect, the invention concerns a method for producing a garmentfor neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance according to this invention, themethod comprising the steps of:

a) producing, for example by means of weaving or knitting, a body of thegarment having elasticity and intended to be worn by a user for adheringto a portion of the user's body;

b) producing, by means of moulding (silk-screen process) a resin on thebody of the garment, a continuous and elastic framework comprising aplurality of anchoring portions and a plurality of active portions, eachintended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body, wheresaid framework is structured so that, when the garment is worn by theuser and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portionsdeform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors ofthe user's body and the anchoring portions remain substantiallyunchanged.

In this way it is possible to obtain the garment according to thisinvention in a simple and economic way. In addition, producing theframework by means of moulding makes the method highly repeatable andadvantageously automatable.

In one aspect, in step b) the moulding of t he resin takes place byusing resin in a liquid state and the method comprises a step of resindrying following step b). This makes the moulding of the resin easy andprecise and, once the resin is dry, the framework is firmly fixed in anappropriate position on the body of the garment, remaining in place whenthe garment is worn.

In one aspect, step a) comprises a step of producing a plurality ofportions of the body of the garment provided with more compact stitcheswith respect to the rest of the body of the garment and intended toaccommodate, in step b), the resin forming the framework. This makes itpossible to increase the stability of the positioning of the frameworkwhen the garment is worn.

In one aspect, in step a) the production is achieved by the knitting ofa tubular piece and/or by seamless technology.

In one aspect, the framework is produced according to one or more of theabove aspects.

Other features and advantages will become more apparent from thedetailed description below of some embodiments, also including apreferred non-limiting embodiment of a device forneuro-muscular-skeletal assistance according to this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This description is set out below with reference to the accompanyingdrawings which are provided solely for purposes of illustration withoutrestricting the scope of the invention and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a possible embodiment of a garment forneuro-musculo-skeletal assistance in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of another possible embodiment of a garment forneuro-musculo-skeletal assistance in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the garment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the garment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a front view of another possible embodiment of a garment forneuro-musculo-skeletal assistance in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the garment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the garment of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a front and a rear view of a garment according tothis invention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a front and a rear view of a garment according tothis invention;

FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16 respectively show a front, an outer side view,an inner side view and a rear view of a garment according to thisinvention;

FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20 respectively show a front, an outer side view,an inner side view and a rear view of a garment according to thisinvention;

FIGS. 21, 22, 23 and 24 respectively show a front, an outer side view,an inner side view and a rear view of a garment according to thisinvention;

FIGS. 25, 26, 27 and 28 respectively show a front, an outer side view,an inner side view and a rear view of a garment according to thisinvention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying figures, a garment (advantageouslyused for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance) according to the presentinvention is denoted overall with the reference number 1. In general,the same reference number is used for the same elements in theirembodiment variations.

The garment 1 comprises a body 2 of the garment having elasticity andintended to be worn by a user (not shown) for adhering to a portion ofthe user's body, for example the trunk and arms or the pelvis and legs.

The garment 1 also comprises a continuous and elastic framework 5realized on the body of the garment and comprising a plurality ofanchoring portions 10 and a plurality of active portions 20, 30, 40, 50,each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body.

It should be noted that in the figures the framework is representedschematically and the surfaces of the body of the garment which areshown can be indifferently considered as the inner or outer surface(corresponding respectively to the surface intended to be in contactwith the user's skin and the surface intended to be visible from theoutside). In other words, it is possible to consider the garments shownas examples as right side out or inside out.

This framework is structured so that, when the garment is worn by theuser and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portionsdeform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors ofthe user's body and the anchoring portions 10 remain substantiallyunchanged.

The active portions 20, 30, 40, 50 and the anchoring portions 10 areidentical in nature and the respective position occupied on the body ofthe garment identifies and defines the portions of the body to whichthey are respectively intended to coincide.

The anchoring portions 10 are preferably positioned in such a way thatthey do not undergo substantial deformation (for example, because theyare positioned transversally to the muscle sheath or in deformation-freeparts of the body) and the active portions 20, 30, 40, 50 are positioned(for example longitudinally to the muscle sheath) in such a way as toundergo deformation phenomena, for example elongation or shortening,when the garment 1 is worn.

The anchoring portions 10 are preferably intended to coincide withrespective sectors of the body so that, when the user carries out amotor activity, they change their overall surface extension by a value,for example, less than 2%, compared to the respective overall surfaceextension with the user's body in relaxed condition.

The anchoring portions 20, 30, 40, 50 are preferably intended tocoincide with respective sectors of the body so that, when the usercarries out a motor activity, they change their overall surfaceextension by a value greater than 10%, compared to the respectiveoverall surface extension with the user's body in relaxed condition.

When the garment is worn, the anchoring portions 10 preferably do notfollow the longitudinal shortening and extension of the underlyingmuscle fibres.

The garment preferably comprises one and only one framework 5. Theframework 5 preferably consists exclusively of said anchoring portionsand said active portions, interconnected without interruption.

One or more of the active portions and/or of the anchoring portions arepreferably shaped in such a way as to present a prevalent developmentdirection. The active portions and/or the anchoring portions arepreferably in the form of strips.

The active portions preferably constitute a prevalent part of theframework 5 with respect to the anchoring portions 10. For example, theactive portions represent 60% or more of the overall surface of theframework.

The body 2 of the garment has a first coefficient of elasticity and theframework 5 has a second coefficient of elasticity, greater than orequal to said first coefficient of elasticity.

The first coefficient of elasticity is preferably constant in all theportions of the body of the garment, and is preferably between 0.01kgf/cm and 0.1 kgf/cm.

The second coefficient of elasticity is preferably constant in all theportions of the framework, and is preferably between 0.1 kgf/cm and 0.3kgf/cm.

The body 2 of the garment is preferably made of fabric, typically aknitted fabric, for example a fabric composed of a combination of yarns.This combination of yarns can, for example, be a combination ofpolyamide and elastomer or a combination of polyamide and polyester or acombination of polyester and elastomer.

For example, the body of the garment is made of a polyamide yarn with33/34/2 count and an elastomer yarn with 17-20/20/1 count. For example,the resulting composition of the body of the garment is 91% polyamideand 9% elastomer.

The fabric preferably has the aforesaid first coefficient of elasticity.The entire framework is preferably made of a single material. Theframework is preferably made of resin (for example a phthalate-PVC freeplasticiser), preferably having the aforesaid second coefficient ofelasticity.

The portions of the garment on which the framework is created preferablyhave an overall coefficient of elasticity greater than the first and thesecond coefficient of elasticity. For example, the overall coefficientof elasticity can be between 0.3 kgf/cm and 0.6 kgf/cm.

The body of the garment, made of fabric, preferably comprises aplurality of portions provided with more compact stitches than the restof the body of the garment and intended to coincide with the anchoringportions and the active portions of the framework.

The framework 5 preferably has a constant thickness of between 200 and2000 micrometres. For example, the resin of the framework is around 700micrometres thick.

Alternatively, the anchoring portions are thicker than the activeportions. For example, the anchoring portions are around 1500micrometres thick and the active portions are around 700 micrometresthick.

The framework, preferably made of the aforesaid resin, is preferablystructured so as to have a high coefficient of friction with human skin.

The framework is preferably created on the inside of the body of thegarment, thus directly in contact with the user's skin. In this way, asthe framework preferably has a high coefficient of friction it adheresfirmly to the user's skin and maintains its correct position even aftermotor activities by the user.

As shown in the figures, the framework 5 preferably presents a dividedstructure consisting of alternating anchoring portions 10 and activeportions 20, 30, 40, 50 with points of convergence between the differentportions. These points of convergence are preferably divided between twoor more portions of the framework.

One or more of said points of convergence preferably coincide with arespective anchoring portion.

One or more of the active portions preferably have one end that branchesout from a respective anchoring portion and an opposite free end.

One or more of the active portions preferably have two opposite endsthat terminate in two separate anchoring portions.

The anchoring portions and/or the active portions are preferably in theform of strips whose width, calculated at right angles to the respectiveprevalent development direction, is between 1 cm and 6 cm. In theembodiments shown in the figures, all the active portions are in theform of strips.

The width (preferably between 2 and 5 cm) of the anchoring portions 10is preferably greater than the width (preferably between 1 and 3 cm) ofthe active portions 20, 30, 40, 50, in order to increase the stabilityand correct positioning of the entire framework. For example, the widthof one or more anchoring portions is around 3 cm and the width of one ormore active portions is around 2 cm.

The garment preferably also comprises one or more reinforcement strips60 on the body 2 of the garment, designed to locally increase thecoefficient of elasticity of the body of the garment. The applicant hasin fact ascertained that, following particular movements by the user,some portions of the garment may not adhere perfectly to the user'sbody. By adding these reinforcement strips it is possible to locallyincrease the coefficient of elasticity of the garment and to keep ittaut and in contact with the user's body. The reinforcement strips arecompletely outside the aforesaid framework and its aims.

The body of the garment opportunely comprises visual means of reference(opportunely shaped like one or more strips) overlying at least a partof the framework (these visual means of reference are advantageouslyapplied on over more than 80% of the framework 5; these visual means ofreference are preferably applied over the entire framework 5). Thesevisual means of reference opportunely have a different colour withrespect to the colour of the adjacent parts of the garment. These visualmeans of reference are advantageously created on the surface of the body2 intended to face outwards when the garment 1 is worn. These visualmeans of reference facilitate the correct positioning of the framework 5on the user's body (otherwise the user would see the outside of thegarment 1, but would have difficulty in perceiving whether the internalframework 5 was correctly positioned or not). The framework 5 is in factcreated on the surface of the body 2 intended to face outwards when thegarment 1 is worn.

FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically show a first embodiment of the invention. Inthis embodiment, the garment 1 is a sweater and the framework 5comprises an anchoring portion of the under acromial deltoid region ofthe humerus 11, an anchoring portion of the front region of the elbow12, an active portion of the biceps muscle 21, a scapular supraspinatusactive portion 22, a coracoid active portion 23, a scapularinfraspinatus active portion 24 and an active portion of the latissimusdorsi muscle 25.

The framework preferably comprises two separate active portions of thebiceps muscle 21, preferably having a first end terminating on theanchoring portion of the under acromial deltoid region of the humerus 11and a respective second end terminating on the anchoring portion of thefront region of the elbow 12.

The framework preferably comprises two separate coracoid active portions23, preferably having a first end terminating on the anchoring portionof the under acromial deltoid region of the humerus 11 and a respectivesecond free end.

The framework preferably comprises two separate scapular infraspinatusactive portions 24, preferably having a first end terminating on theanchoring portion of the under acromial deltoid region of the humerus 11and a respective second free end.

The aforesaid scapular supraspinatus 22 and latissimus dorsi muscleactive portions 25 preferably have a first end terminating on theanchoring portion of the under acromial deltoid region of the humerus 11and a respective second free end.

The garment in the form of a sweater preferably comprises a firstreinforcement strip 61 intended to coincide with a portion of the user'sspine. It should be noted in particular that the effect caused by theseparation action carried out by the framework between the firstreinforcement strip 61 and at least one of the scapular infraspinatusactive portions 24 leads to traction of the muscles in between theseportions which stimulates the myotactic neuro-muscular reflex. Thetraction indicated above must be below 200 gf (in order to stimulate themyotactic reflex) but at the same time sufficient to perform an actionthat can be perceived by the user. The approach action of the muscleapices affected by the active portions of the exoskeleton of the bicepsmuscle 21 limits the neuro-muscular activation of the inverse myotacticreflex. The traction that determines the approach of the muscle apicesmust be greater than 200 gf (in order to inhibit the inverse myotacticreflex). The coefficient of elasticity of the framework is thereforevery important since it regulates the intensity of the tension carriedout by the framework.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 schematically show a second embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment, the garment 1 is in the form of trousers,intended to cover the user's body from the waist to the ankles, and theframework 5 comprises a popliteal spiral anchoring portion 13, anunder-buttock anchoring portion 14, an active portion of the gluteusmedius muscle 31, an active portion of the tensor fasciae latae muscle32, an active portion of the biceps muscle 33, an active portion of thesartorius muscle 34, an active portion of the vastus medialis 35, anactive portion of the gracilis muscle 36 and an active portion of thesemitendinosus muscle 37.

The garment in the form of trousers preferably comprises a secondreinforcement strip 62 intended to coincide with the user's peroneusmuscle.

The garment in the form of trousers preferably comprises a thirdreinforcement strip 63 intended to coincide with the user's tibialmuscle.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 schematically show a third embodiment of the invention.In this embodiment, the garment 1 is in the form of shorts, intended tocover the user's body from the waist to the knees, and the framework 5comprises an under-buttock anchoring portion 15, an active portion ofthe gluteus medius muscle 41, an active portion of the tensor fasciaelatae muscle 42, an active portion of the biceps muscle 43, an activeportion of the sartorius muscle 44, an active portion of the vastusmedialis 45, an active portion of the gracilis muscle 46 and an activeportion of the semitendinosus muscle 47.

What is described above with reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 can also berepeated for the solution shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 11 shows another solution. The framework 5 opportunely comprises aring 9 made of resin intended to surround the user's kneecap. This makesit possible to better support the kneecap and/or to reduce the risk ofdamage due to inappropriate movements of the knee.

As in the embodiments shown in the figures, the garment preferablycomprises a pair of identical frameworks 5 arranged specularly withrespect to a bilateral symmetry plan of the garment. For example, whenthe garment is a sweater it comprises two specularly identicalframeworks, each in correspondence with a half-trunk, a shoulder and anarm, while when the garment is trousers or shorts it comprises twospecularly identical frameworks, each in correspondence with arespective half-pelvis, buttock and leg.

This invention advantageously lends itself to be applied to differenttypes of garments, for example for the different parts of the body. Forexample, the garments included in this invention can be sweaters,trousers, socks, knee pads, elbow pads and gloves.

The garment 1 according to this invention, as shown in FIGS. 13-28, is asock. In particular, this sock has a protective and/or rehabilitativeeffect on the Achilles tendon. FIGS. 13-28 show, in particular, theanchoring portions 10 and the active portions 50 of the sock. Inparticular, the framework 5 comprises a first pair 91 of strips of resinwhich are intended, when the sock is worn, to overlie a part of theuser's calf. In particular, the first pair 91 of strips carries out asupport action for the gastrocnemius muscle (in particular, one of thetwo strips of the first pair carries out an action on one of the twobellies of the gastrocnemius muscle and the other strip of the firstpair carries out an action on the other belly of the gastrocnemiusmuscle). The first pair 91 of strips of resin comprises both a part ofthe anchoring portions 10 and a part of the active portions 50. Theanchoring portions 10 in this first pair 91 of resin strips involve, atleast in part, the two sides of the sock. The active portions 50 in thisfirst pair 91 of resin strips involve the rear part of the sock. Inparticular, the strips of the first pair 91 move closer together whilethey move away from a part of the sock intended to accommodate theuser's foot. Advantageously, the strips of the first pair 91 do not comeinto contact with each other. The strips of the first pairadvantageously define a first channel 92 between them, intended tooverlie the diastasis of the two bellies of the gastrocnemius muscle.The framework 5 also comprises a second pair 93 of strips of resin. Thissecond pair 93 of strips of resin opportunely comprises both a part ofthe anchoring portions 10 and a part of the active portions 50.

The two strips of the second pair 93 opportunely define a second channel94 between them intended to accommodate the Achilles tendon. Inparticular, the active portions 50 of the second pair 93 identify atleast in part said second channel 94. Advantageously, the second pair ofstrips carry out their action on the Achilles tendon and on the plantarflexors. The sock can thus be seen as a support for the prevention ofinjury to or for the rehabilitation of the Achilles tendon.

In particular, at least a part of the anchoring portions 10 of thesecond pair 93 of strips develop to coincide with one or more ends ofthe second pair 93 of strips.

The anchoring portions 10 of the second pair 93 of strips opportunelydevelop at least in part to coincide with the heel, in particular theyoverlie the heel (see the examples in FIGS. 13-16); in the alternativesolution in FIGS. 17-20, the anchoring portions develop close to aportion of the sock intended to overlie the user's ankle; in thealternative solution in FIGS. 21-24, the anchoring portions have a verylimited extension coinciding with the two ends of the second pair 93 ofstrips.

Advantageously, at least one (preferably both) of the second pair 93 ofstrips forks away from a part of the sock intended to cover the heel.Thanks to this fork, it is possible to a more extensive surface ofaction for the framework. It should be noted that the “second pair 93 ofstrips” is so named to distinguish it from the “first pair 91 ofstrips”, but the presence of the second pair 93 of strips does not inany way imply the presence of the first pair 91 of strips. Similarly,the “second channel” 94 is so named to distinguish it from the “firstchannel” 92, but the presence of the second channel does not necessarilyimply the presence of the first channel 92.

At least one section of the strips of resin in the sock (for example,the strips of the first and/or of the second pair 91, 93) couldopportunely comprise at least one hole which develops along thethickness of the section of strip and passes right through the strip.This facilitates above all the transpiration of the foot. The body 2 ofthe garment (sock) opportunely carries out an action of gradualcompression, said compression being greater in correspondence with theankle and less in the areas intended to overlie parts of the human bodycloser to the knee. The sock opportunely comprises a first portion 95intended to accommodate the foot and a second portion 96 which developsaway from the first portion 95. The first portion 95 preferablycomprises cotton fibres, advantageously made of elastomer cotton. Thesecond portion 96 is preferably made of elastomer nylon. The presence ofcotton in the first portion 95 has a non-slip action, allows greatersensitivity for the foot, facilitates the absorption of perspiration andprovides better shock absorption (since it increases the thickness ofthe sock).

The sock opportunely comprises a transpirant section 97. Thisfacilitates maintenance of a microclimate of the foot. This transpirantsection 97 is an area having less compact stitches than the adjacentarea in order to increase the transpiration effect (this adjacent areaadvantageously surrounds the transpirant section). This transpirantsection 97 is advantageously positioned in an area of the sock intendedto overlie the dorsum of the foot and/or in a portion of the sockintended to overlie the rear portion of the leg.

The sock opportunely comprises a protective reinforcement section 98 tominimize the formation of creases at the ankle. This reinforcementsection 98 advantageously comprises an area having more compact stitcheswith respect to an adjacent area (this adjacent area advantageouslysurrounds said reinforcement section). The width of the strips (that isto say the dimension measured at right angles to the thickness and tothe prevalent line of development of each strip) of the first and secondpairs 91, 93 is opportunely between 1 and 3 centimetres. The width ofthe active portions 50 is advantageously between 1 and 2.5 centimetres.It is possible that in some sections the anchoring portions are narrowerthan the active portions positioned on the same strip. This makes itpossible to reduce the discomfort which the user may feel when thegarment 1 is worn, which may for example be caused by the contact withthe strip of resin and particularly sensitive parts of the body.

In addition, for example based on the required prevalent effect on theuser's body (for example, prevention, rehabilitation, comfort), it ispossible to modify the framework of the garment to obtain certainassistance effects.

A possible method for the production of an aforesaid garment 1 comprisesthe steps of producing, by knitting, the body 2 of the garment and ofsubsequently producing, by moulding of resin on the body of the garment,the framework 5 comprising the anchoring portions 10 and the activeportions 20, 30, 40, 50.

The moulding of the resin preferably takes place by using resin in aliquid state followed by a step of resin drying.

During the knitting of the body of the garment, it is possible toproduce a plurality of portions with more compact stitches with respectto the rest of the body of the garment and intended to accommodate theresin forming the framework.

The production of the body of the garment is achieved by the knitting ofa tubular piece and/or by seamless technology. This makes it possible toeliminate or reduce the seams and also to obtain these portions withmore compact stitches simply, rapidly and economically.

The aforesaid method preferably comprises the step of dyeing the garmentand/or the step of pressing and/or packaging the garment.

The subject of this invention is a method for producing a garment 1(opportunely for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance) having one or moreof the features described above. The method comprises the steps of:

a) producing a body 2 of the garment having elasticity and intended tobe worn by a user for adhering to a portion of the user's body;

b) producing a preferably continuous and elastic framework comprising aplurality of anchoring portions and a plurality of active portions, eachintended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body.

Said framework is opportunely structured so that, when the garment isworn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the activeportions deform themselves following the deformation of the respectivesectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions remainsubstantially unchanged.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of producing an elastic frameworkcomprises the following steps:

applying (typically by silk screen process) at least a first section ofresin on a fabric element intended to be a part of the body 2 of thegarment. This fabric element is typically tubular (this tubular fabricelement could have one closed end; this is typically the case withtubular fabric elements used to produce socks). This fabric element isopportunely a knitted element (that is to say obtained by means of acircular knitting machine; by knitting only one yarn, this circularmachine knits each row of the fabric into the previous and subsequentrows); the fabric element is therefore a part of the fabric materialwhich will contribute to defining the body 2 of the garment (when thegarment is complete).

hardening (for example by reticulation or polymerization) of the firstsection of resin (opportunely in an oven, preferably in a ventilatedoven).

The first section of resin is opportunely heated in the oven at atemperature higher than 150° C., preferably at temperature of around180° C.

The fabric element opportunely comprises a first zone and a second zone;the first zone has more compact stitches with respect to the secondzone. The second zone is advantageously adjacent to the first zone.

The step of producing an elastic framework comprises the step ofinserting a support in a space surrounded by the tubular shaped fabricelement. In technical jargon, this support is also known as a “mould”.This step is carried out before applying said first section of resin onthe body 2. This makes it possible to partly stretch the fabric elementbefore application of the first section of resin. The elongation of thefirst zone of the fabric element along a direction of the support ispreferably between 12 and 18% of the original length of the first zone,that is to say the length before insertion of the support. The supportopportunely comprises a reference mark; the step of inserting thesupport inside the space surrounded by the tubular fabric elementincludes placing said reference mark of the support over at least a partof the first zone of the fabric element. The support is advantageouslyextracted from the tubular element after applying the first section ofresin and before placing the fabric element in the oven. This causes thefabric element to determine a slight elastic return in correspondencewith the zone in which the first section of resin is located. The firstzone of the fabric element will be typically elongated by around 10-15%with respect to its original length, for example since the resin,occupying the gaps between the threads of the fabric, does not allow thefirst zone to return to its original length but maintains a certainresidual elongation. This elongation is present when the first sectionof resin completes its hardening process.

The step of applying at least a first section of resin includes thesteps of:

placing a template on the fabric element, the template having a zonewhich is impermeable to the resin and a zone which is permeable to theresin, the part which is permeable to the resin overlying at least inpart the first zone of the fabric element; in particular, the permeablepart overlies the reference mark of the support; in fact, the step ofapplying at least a first section of resin is carried out in a framecomprising means for the reciprocal positioning of said template andsaid support; by correctly positioning the fabric element with respectto the support, it is possible to correctly position the fabric elementalso with respect to the template.

ensuring that the resin passes through the permeable part of thetemplate and reaches the fabric element.

The fact that adjacent to the more compact stitches in the first zonethere are less compact stitches is important for the creation of theexoskeleton. In an non-deformed configuration of the garment (that is tosay when it is not worn) the zone with the less compact stitchespresents creases, while the zone with more compact stitches is more tautand stretched out. When the garment is worn, the zone with the morecompact stitches is deformed by carrying out the required action offraction of parts of the user's body, while the zone with less compactstitches is stretched out, reducing or eliminating the creases. The zonewith the less compact stitches thus makes it possible to cover the useralso in areas not involved in the framework, without carrying out acompression action on the user or in any case carrying out a verylimited compression action. In this way, it is substantially only theframework that carries out a mechanical action on the user's body. Ifall the stitches were compact to the same extent, when the garment wasworn there would be considerable tension even in zones not involved inthe framework. In the non-deformed configuration, there would be in factbe no creases as in the case of this invention. This would lead to ageneralised compression (with a reduction of the benefits offered by thelocalized stimulation induced by the framework).

The step of causing the resin to pass through the permeable partincludes:

application of a layer of resin on the template;

movement of a cursor over the template, pushing the resin applied on thetemplate to pass through the permeable zone and reach the fabricelement.

The permeable zone of the template opportunely comprises a grid. Thisgrid opportunely presents a mesh with a cross-section of less than orequal to 1 mm2.

The mesh of the grid is opportunely identical over the entire extent ofthe permeable zone. The mesh of the grid is opportunely quadrilateral.The permeable zone is opportunely thinner than the impermeable zone. Inparticular, when the frame is laid over the fabric element, there is aspace intended to accommodate the resin between the grid and the fabricelement. This space, at right angles to the grid, is typically between0.5 and 2 millimetres deep. This makes it possible to control thethickness of the strips of resin at right angles to the fabric.

A surface of the framework intended to come into contact with the humanskin advantageously has a surface provided with a plurality of raisedareas and depressions. The succession of these depressions and raisedareas determines a suction effect on the user's skin which helps tomaintain the framework in position. These raised areas and depressionsare opportunely generated by the grid indicated above. In fact, thepresence of the grid means that its wires leave an impression on theresin before it hardens. A depression is therefore formed incorrespondence with the wires of the grid.

The support is substantially flat and, by encircling the support, thefabric element identifies a first and a second surface in contact,respectively, with a first and second side of the support, the first andsecond sides being opposite each other.

The step of producing an elastic framework opportunely comprises in thefollowing order the steps of:

applying the first section of resin on the first surface of the fabricelement;

hardening the first section of resin applied on the first surface of thefabric element;

applying a second section of resin on the second surface of the fabricelement;

hardening the second section of resin applied on the second surface.

The step of applying the second section of resin opportunely comprisesone or more of the steps already described with reference to theapplication of the first section of resin.

When the garment 1 is a sweater, the following are opportunely used forits production:

a first tubular fabric element intended to form a part of the garmentsuitable to cover the trunk of a user;

a second tubular fabric element intended to form the two sleeves (thesecond tubular fabric element is opportunely cut and the pieces obtainedare at least part sewn onto the first tubular fabric element).

To produce trousers, a tubular fabric element is opportunely cut and anadditional flap of fabric is applied in the groin area, all afterapplication and hardening of the resin.

The method for production of the garment 1 opportunely comprises a stepof production of the visual reference means having at least one sectionshaped like a strip which overlies at least in part the first zone ofthe fabric element. These visual means of reference opportunely have adifferent colour with respect to the colour of the adjacent parts of thegarment. These visual reference means are opportunely applied to asurface of the fabric element intended to face outwards (when thegarment 1 is worn). The visual reference means and the resin frameworkare advantageously formed on two opposite surfaces of the fabricelement.

The step of creating the visual reference means precedes the step ofcreating the elastic framework. The step of creating the visualreference means opportunely comprises the step of printing these visualreference means. The step of printing the visual reference means iscarried out in a silk screen process frame. The silk screen processframe comprises a stencil with a zone that is permeable to the dye usedfor the silk screen process and a zone that is impermeable to this dye.

More specifically, the step of printing these visual reference means ispreceded by the step of inserting a stencil inside a space surrounded bythe tubular fabric element to keep the fabric element partly taut. Thestep of inserting the stencil inside the fabric element opportunelyincludes positioning visual references on the stencil in correspondencewith the zone of the fabric element with more compact stitches. Thecorrect positioning of the stencil with respect to the silk screen framethus ensures that the zone of the stencil permeable to the dye used inthe silk screen process is positioned in correspondence with the firstzone of the fabric element.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A garment (1) comprising: a body (2) of the garment having elasticity and intended to be worn by a user for adhering to a portion of the user's body; a continuous and elastic framework (5) realized on said body of the garment and comprising a plurality of anchoring portions (10) and a plurality of active portions (20; 30; 40; 50), each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body; said framework being structured so that when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions (20; 30; 40; 50) deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions (10) remain substantially unchanged; the framework (5) being created with a resin, being placed on the inner side of the body (2) of the garment (1) and being in direct contact with the user's skin; said garment being characterized in that the body of the garment comprises a plurality of portions provided with more compact stitches than remaining parts of the body of the garment and intended to correspond with the anchoring portions and the active portions of the framework.
 16. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the anchoring portions are intended to coincide with respective sectors of the body so that, when the user carries out a motor activity, they change their overall surface extension by a value less than 5%, compared to the respective overall surface extension with the user's body in a relaxed condition, and wherein the active portions are intended to coincide with respective sectors of the body so that, when the user carries out a motor activity, they change their overall surface extension by a value greater than 5%, compared to the respective overall surface extension with the user's body in relaxed condition.
 17. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the body of the garment has a first coefficient of elasticity and the framework has a second coefficient of elasticity, greater than or equal to said first coefficient of elasticity, said first coefficient of elasticity being comprised between 0.01 kgf/cm and 0.1 kgf/cm and said second coefficient of elasticity being comprised between 0.1 kgf/cm and 0.3 kgf/cm.
 18. A garment (1) according to claim 17, wherein the body of the garment is made of fabric, said fabric having the aforesaid first coefficient of elasticity, and wherein the whole framework is made of a single material, having said second coefficient of elasticity.
 19. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein said framework is configured according to the scheme shown in one or more of the following groups of figures: (a) FIGS. 1 and 2; (b) FIGS. 3, 4 and 5; (c) FIGS. 6, 7 and 8; (d) FIGS. 9 and 10; (e) FIGS. 11 and 12; (f) FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16; (g) FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20; (h) FIGS. 21, 22, 23 and
 24. 20. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the body of the garment has the form of a sweater and the framework (5) comprises an anchoring portion of the under acromial deltoid region of the humerus (11), an anchoring portion of the front region of the elbow (12), an active portion of the biceps muscle (21), a scapular supraspinatus active portion (22), a coracoid active portion (23), a scapular infraspinatus active portion (24) and an active portion of the latissimus dorsi muscle (25).
 21. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the body of the garment has the form of trousers and the framework (5) comprises an under-buttock anchoring portion (14; 15), an active portion of the gluteus medius muscle (31; 41), an active portion of the tensor fasciae latae muscle (32; 42), an active portion of the biceps muscle (33; 43), an active portion of the sartorius muscle (34; 44), an active portion of the vastus medialis (35; 45), an active portion of the gracilis muscle (36; 46) and an active portion of the semitendinosus muscle (37; 47).
 22. A garment (1) according to claim 21, wherein the body of the garment has the form of long trousers, intended to wrap the user's body from the waist to the ankles, and the framework (5) also comprises a popliteal spiral anchoring portion (13).
 23. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the framework (5) is structured so as to have a high coefficient of friction with human skin.
 24. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the garment is a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance.
 25. A method for producing a garment (1) comprising: a body (2) of the garment having elasticity and intended to be worn by a user for adhering to a portion of the user's body; a continuous and elastic framework (5) realized on said body of the garment and comprising a plurality of anchoring portions (10) and a plurality of active portions (20; 30; 40; 50), each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body; said framework being structured so that when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions (20; 30; 40; 50) deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions (10) remain substantially unchanged; the framework (5) being created with a resin, being placed on the inner side of the body (2) of the garment (1) and being in direct contact with the user's skin; said garment being characterized in that the body of the garment comprises a plurality of portions provided with more compact stitches than remaining parts of the body of the garment and intended to correspond with the anchoring portions and the active portions of the framework, the method comprising the steps of: a) producing a body of the garment having elasticity and intended to be worn by a user for adhering to a portion of the user's body; b) producing a continuous and elastic framework comprising a plurality of anchoring portions and a plurality of active portions, each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body, wherein said framework is structured so that, when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions remain substantially unchanged; the step of producing an elastic framework comprising the following steps: applying at least a first section of resin on a tubular fabric element intended to be a part of the body (2) of the garment; the tubular fabric element being able to have one closed end and being a knitted element; hardening of the first section of resin in an oven; the fabric element comprising a first zone and a second zone; the first zone having more compact stitches with respect to the second zone; the second zone being advantageously adjacent to the first zone; the step of producing an elastic framework comprising the step of inserting a support in a space surrounded by the tubular shaped fabric element, the step of inserting the support being carried out before applying said first section of resin on the body (2) in such a way that the fabric element is partly stretched before application of the first section of resin; the support being extracted from the tubular element after applying the first section of resin and before placing the fabric element in the oven.
 26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the step of applying at least a first section of resin includes the steps of: i) placing a template on the fabric element, the template having a zone which is impermeable to the resin and a zone which is permeable to the resin, the part which is permeable to the resin overlying at least in part the first zone of the fabric element; the permeable part overlying the reference mark of the support; the step of applying at least a first section of resin is carried out in a frame comprising means for the reciprocal positioning of said template and said support; ii) causing the resin to pass through the permeable part of the template and to reach the fabric element; the step of causing the resin to pass through the permeable part including: application of a layer of resin on the template; movement of a cursor over the template, pushing the resin applied on the template to pass through the permeable zone and reach the fabric element; the permeable zone of the template comprising a grid and when the frame is laid over the fabric element, there is a space intended to accommodate the resin between the grid and the fabric element; a surface of the framework intended to come into contact with the human skin has a surface provided with a plurality of raised areas and depressions which determine a suction effect on the user's skin which helps to maintain the framework in position; said raised areas and depressions being generated by said grid; the wires of the grid leave an impression on the resin before it hardens; a depression being therefore formed in correspondence with the wires of the grid.
 27. The method according to claim 25, wherein it comprises a step of creating visual reference means having at least one section shaped like a strip which overlies at least in part the first zone of the fabric element; these visual means of reference having a different colour with respect to the colour of the adjacent parts of the garment and the visual reference means and the resin framework are formed on two opposite surfaces of the fabric element; the step of creating the visual reference means precedes the step of producing the elastic framework; the step of creating the visual reference means comprising the step of printing these visual reference means; the step of printing the visual reference means being carried out in a silk screen process frame; the silk screen process frame comprising a stencil with a zone that is permeable to the dye used for the silk screen process and a zone that is impermeable to the dye; the step of printing these visual reference means being preceded by the step of inserting a stencil inside a space surrounded by the tubular fabric element to keep the fabric element partly taut; the step of inserting the stencil inside the fabric element including positioning visual references on the stencil in correspondence with the zone of the fabric element with more compact stitches; the correct positioning of the stencil with respect to the silk screen frame thus ensures that the zone of the stencil permeable to the dye used in the silk screen process is positioned in correspondence with the first zone of the fabric element.
 28. A method according to claim 25, wherein the garment is a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance.
 29. A garment according to claim 18, wherein the fabric is composed of a combination of yarns. 